Top tips from Reading's M&S manager for summer eating

Gillian Dangerfield helps you to a summer of flavour

Summer is upon us, which means it’s time to make the most of the weather and enjoy al-fresco dining with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a picnic or a BBQ, there is something for all occasions at M&S. Gillian Dangerfield, store manager at Marks & Spencer in Broad Street and pictured below, shares her top picks from M&S’ new Summer of Flavour range.

Said Gillian: “ We’ve got some fantastic ranges in-store for summer, which bring a whole host of ingredients and flavours to life. With our new gluten-free and meat-free ranges there really is something for everyone.”

“One of my favourite new additions to store is the Summer of Flavour range. These unique dishes are inspired by the wonderful flavours of other countries – from South America to the Eastern Mediterranean - and offer our customers new flavours such as ancho chilli, yuzu and calamansi.

"The Summer of Flavour range includes a variety of new desserts, drinks and confectionary and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.”

Here are some of my top picks from our Summer of Flavour range:

· If you’re planning a big family BBQ this summer, why not indulge in some of our American inspired dishes, such as the Smoke House BBQ Beef Brisket
(£5 for 310g), Low ‘n Slow Pork Shoulder
(£5 for 380g)
or the Posh Puppies
mini hot dogs
(£4.5 for 540g).

We’ve also launched our Edgy Veggie Burgers
(£3.50 for 240g) this summer for those who prefer a meat-free BBQ made using a top secret recipe.

We have some great salads to go alongside these too, including the Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas, Edamame Soybeans and a Wasabi Mayonnaise
(£2 for 230g)
and the Beetroot, Quinoa and Wheatberries salad
(£2 for 205g).

· For summer picnics, our Deli range is ideal. Mix it up with a selection of treats such as the Handcrafted Spicy Sausage Roll Selection
(£3 for 280g), Chargrilled Calamari with Lime, Chilli and Mint
(£4.50 for 140g) and our Tequila and Lime Chicken Wings
(£2.60 for 350g).

Our Food on the Move
range also includes a great range of salads, wraps and sushi which would be great for a picnic. Our Piri Piri Chicken Wrap with Coleslaw and Spinach
(£2,80 for 202g) is a great choice for a light and healthy lunch and I’d recommend our Watermelon and Coconut White Tea
(£1.79 for 750ml) to finish off.

· Our new Firebreads are a modern twist on the classic pizza and come with a delicious dip. With five varieties to choose from including Aromatic Hoisin Duck
(£3.50 for 220g), BBQ Pulled Pork
(£3.50 for 253g), Roasted Butternut Squash, Beetroot and Feta
(£3.50 for 265g), Pibil Chicken and Refried Bean
(£3.50 for 280g) and Spiced Lamb and Pomegranate
(£3.50 for 225g), they are a personal favourite of mine and the perfect accompaniment to any occasion.

· For those with a sweet tooth, our desserts are packed full of summery flavours. My top picks include the Passion Fruit Mousse
(£3.50 for 210g), Milk Chocolate and Dulce De Leche Dessert
(£3.50 for 160g) and the Coconut Milk Dessert with Pineapple & Chilli Salsa
(£3.50 for 210g).

· A summer celebration wouldn’t be complete without something tasty to wash it all down with and our new range is bursting with flavours such as hibiscus, pink grapefruit, lychee, bitter orange and mint. Add a splash of our Bitter Orange Negroni
(£11.99 for 50cl) to soda water and serve over ice for a refreshing tipple or crack open a bottle of our Aperitivo Spritz
(£4.99 for 75cl) to kick off your BBQ in style.

Our non-alcohol options are just as tasty. Treat your guests to a refreshing glass of Apple, Mango and Passion Fruit Sparkling Juice
(£2.49 for 750ml) or try out the Pineapple Juice with Lemongrass and Jalapeno Chilli
(£1.99 for 1L).